Growing up I never ate rhubarb. My Dad always said it was the most disgusting food and not fit for human consumption. Even as an adult I can’t remember trying it, going so far as to turn my nose up at it and/or smack talk rhubarb behind it’s back.

My dad also doesn’t approve of beer.

He’s going to be very disappointed that one of my favorite beers at the upcoming Portland Fruit Beer Festival is a Kettle Soured Strawberry-Rhubarb Wheat Ale from Fort George named Pucker Pi.

At a preview event for the upcoming Festival, I tasted a few of the offerings and here are my top 5, in no particular order.

Laurelwood Brewing: There Gose the Neighborhood

Very Refreshing. I could drink this all day. Every flavor is subtle, just a touch of sea salt to accentuate every flavor.

ABV: 5.1% IBU: 8

Alameda Brewing: Berried By Night

A solid CDA, with a really great hop Aroma. Uses 7 different hops: Summit for bittering, then Citra, Cascade, Ella, Hull Melon, Centennial and Azacca.

25 pounds of berries per barrel, yet still very balanced fruit, roast and hop flavors.

7.4% ABV. 75 IBU

Fort George Brewery: Pucker Pi Beer

My Dad’s worst nightmare. He hates rhubarb and beer. This one won’t change his mind. It’s a kettle soured version of last years Pi Beer, very easy to drink though, and really tasty.

4.9% ABV

Burnside Brewing/Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider: Fruit of the Garden of Good & Evil

This is bound to be the big hit of the festival. It’s approximately 2/3 Burnside’s Sweet Heat (Apricot and Scotch Bonnet Peppers) and 1/3 Reverent Nat’s Tepache (Pineapples and Spices), with extra Ghost Peppers to kick it up a notch. It’s a slow burn and a great aftertaste. Perhaps save it until last, because it’ll wreck your palate for a good 20 minutes.

The Portland Fruit Beer Festival occurs during PDX Beer Week. It takes place at Burnside Brewing 701 E. Burnside, Portland, OR 97214 and it is the country’s premier fruit beer festival. It has grown into a 3 day event – Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Here are links to the Portland Fruit Beer Festival from for more information about this Portland Beer Festival —